AMSTERDAM

                 
                           
     

Amsterdam is the true capital of the Netherlands, and a magnificent city of art, culture and entertainment, with a population of one million inhabitants. It is also the country’s second port, after Rotterdam, with large warehouses, shipyard and passenger terminal.
The original city center, which developed around the port, is literally surrounded by water. It has the sea on one side and the docks, Amstel river and canals on the other. Amsterdam was built on 90 islands and is connected by 500 bridges. Its foundation dates back to 1275, when it was a shelter for Christians and an important commercial center.
Under the Orange dynasty it became the symbol of Dutch wealth, enjoying a period of artistic grandeur and commercial wealth. Several wars and conflicts with England and France, plus German occupation during World War II, jeopardized the status and development of the city. However, Amsterdam was able to recover and prosper. One of its greatest projects was to reclaim the Zuidersee.
The city is particularly compact, with most museums, monuments, shopping streets, markets and other tourist attractions in close proximity. The city is renowned for being a center of the diamond trade. The historical center is charming, and in the so-called “hard” quarter the bars and restaurants offer food, beer and live music, 365 days a year.
The three main waterways, the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, comprise the core of the canal network, comparable to Venice in extent and intricacy. The cultural center of the city includes the Rijksmuseum, which exhibits work of the Dutch masters, the Vincent Van Gogh Museum, and the modern art Stedelijk Museum.

 
                           
       

 

 

       
                           
         

From Airport Schiphol to Hotel NH Barbizon Palace
Hotel NH Barbizon Palace - Bedroom
Walking through Oude Zijde (Old Side)
Night Magic Lights
Street Entertainment
Hotel NH Barbizon Palace

   
                 
         

Hotel NH Barbizon Palace
Warmoesstraat, Dam and Nieuwe Kerk
Dam Square
Nieuwe Kerk
Madame Tussauds
Rokin, Begijnhof and Kalverstraat
Begijnhof

Herengracht, Leidsestraat and Leidseplein
Singel and Keizersgracht
Herengracht, Reguliersgracht and Prinsengracht
Amstel
Zeedijk, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, Damrak and Prins Hendrikkade
Walking from Leidsestraat to Amstel

   
                 
         

Prinsengracht and Anne Frank Huis
Walking from Prinsengracht to Plantage
Artis
Walking from Plantage to Prins Hendrikkade
... by Night

   
                 
         

Canal Cruise
Postcards
Costa Luminosa - Boarding and Panoramic View of Amsterdam
Costa Luminosa - Cabin 5206
Costa Luminosa - Inside
Costa Luminosa - Vega Casino
Costa Luminosa - Chapel
   
                           
                           
                           
                           
       

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